West Midlands Police Pay Rs 8 Crore To Ex-Firearms Officer In Sex Discrimination Case

A former firearms officer was reportedly given a compensation of Rs 8 crore after defeating West Midlands Police in a sex discrimination lawsuit. An employment tribunal heard that in 2012, Rebecca Kalam was designated as the “poster girl” for the force’s guns unit and informed that she would not be able to complete the training course unless she consented. In 2016, while she was five months pregnant, she was also made to pose for a photo session and complained about male police officers using misogynistic language and drawing pictures of genitalia on notice boards throughout the police station.

The tribunal was informed that in March 2012, Rebecca Kalam was required to undress to her knickers for training exercises. She was performing press-ups when a male trainer placed his foot on the back of her neck and made offensive remarks about her private parts. A few of the allegations centred on the West Midlands Police’s alleged neglect to supply appropriate PPE, such as ballistic body armour. Rebecca has now received what is reportedly one of the highest payments of its kind — a total of £820,720 — for her pension and lost wages.

Scott Green, deputy chief constable of West Midlands Police, issued the following statement: “I apologise for the significant impact that these issues have had on Mrs Kalam, which has been highlighted during the tribunal, and I am sorry that more was not done sooner to address the serious issues raised by her.”

According to him, a lot of the problems started when Mrs Kalam joined the guns unit in 2012; and for the previous two years, officers and personnel have “worked hard to improve culture, standards, and the working environment.”

“Misogynistic, discriminatory, or disrespectful behaviour has no place in law enforcement, and great strides have been made in establishing and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and behaviour,” the statement added. The statement also mentioned that female firearms officers are now participating in testing and evaluating new uniforms and equipment, and the department established new arrangements to obtain gender-specific attire and equipment.